The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has exposed a disturbingly low compliance rate among government officials in the country’s recent mandatory asset declaration exercise.
According to LACC Chairperson Alexandra Zoe, only 26.5% of the 1,900 identified public officials participated in the process by the July 31st deadline set in the regulations published on May 2nd, 2024.
The compliance levels were particularly dismal in the legislative and judicial branches of the government. In the House of Representatives, a mere 26 out of 73 elected officials declared their assets, while in the Senate, only 12 out of 30 senators fulfilled the requirement.
The situation was slightly better in the executive branch, where 322 out of 1,281 appointed officials declared their assets. An additional 84 non-appointed government employees also submitted their declarations.
However, Zoe noted that the overall non-compliance rate remains unacceptably high, with over 70% of the required officials failing to meet their legal obligations.
“The Asset Declaration exercise is a vital tool in our fight against corruption,” Zoe stated. “It enhances public trust in our institutions by holding public officials accountable and ensuring that they lead by example.”
In response to the shocking revelations, the LACC has vowed to take action against the non-compliant officials, including recommending sanctions such as withholding of salaries or suspension until they fulfill the requirements.
The commission also plans to launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of asset declarations in promoting transparency and accountability in government.
“Together, we are making significant strides in our mission to build a corruption-free Liberia,” Zoe concluded. “Let us continue to work collectively to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency in all our endeavors.”
